Iraq Shi'ite cleric who fought U.S. forces says quitting politics

Iraqi
Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr speaks to the media during a visit
to the Our Lady of Salvation Church in BaghdadThomson Reuters

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Shi'ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who
led revolts against U.S. forces in Iraq before their pullout and
became a major influence in the government, said he is leaving
political life and has dissolved his movement.

Sadr gave no reason for the retirement announced via a
handwritten statement on his website.

But two members of his political bloc Ahrar, which holds roughly
an eighth of the seats in parliament, said he was angry after
they defied his orders by voting in favor of a controversial bill
that guarantees legislators high pensions.

"I announce my non-interference in the political affairs in
general and there is no bloc representing us anymore, or any
position inside or outside the government, or in parliament,"
Sadr said in the statement posted on Saturday evening.

"Everyone who infringes upon this will be exposed to religious
and legal responsibility."

According to the statement, charitable and educational
organizations run by Sadr will remain open.

Sadr spearheaded militant uprisings against U.S. forces before
their withdrawal in December 2011 and became a powerful presence
in government after his bloc's backing for Shi'ite Prime Minister
Nuri al-Maliki helped secure his position.

But the two later fell out, with Sadr criticizing Maliki for
amassing too much power, and analysts said his withdrawal from
politics could work in favor of the premier.

It is not clear what impact Sadr's decision would have on his
bloc's participation in parliamentary elections scheduled for
April.

"Sadr's decision will definitely play into the hands of Prime
Minister Maliki in the next election in one way or another," said
Ali Ameer, an analyst specializing in Shi'ite religious affairs.

(Reporting and writing by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Isabel Coles
and Mark Heinrich)

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